A feature of most successful remodeling businesses is an owner who can personally relate to the clients’ needs. That’s the case for the June Remodeler of the Month, Curt Kiriu, CAPS, CGR, of in Mililani, Hawaii.

Although Kiriu is very active with NAHB’s Certified-Aging-in-Place (CAPS) program — from teaching classes, being the Subject Matter Expert on the , to winning NAHB’s 2014 CAPS Designee of the year and NAHB’s 2016 CAPS Educator of the Year — when he first joined the , he had no idea what CAPS was.

“The description [of CAPS classes on NAHB’s website] sounded very interesting because I was my father’s caregiver at the time and had other relatives with disabilities,” said Kiriu. “In all, I was my father’s caregiver for 17 years, and I use my caregiving experience to help the families I work with.”

Combining his personal experience and passion for remodeling, Kiriu decided to focus solely on remodeling homes for those who have a desire to live independently.

However, educating others — rather than winning clients — is a huge source of his motivation to be a great businessman, since he knows how daunting it can be to be a caregiver with little to no knowledge of aging in place.

Kiriu also is an active member of , having served on many subcommittees and the Board of Trustees. To him, being part of NAHB Remodelers means “reassurance,” he said — both in terms of staff support and having a network of remodelers across the country to turn to for professional help.

Kiriu’s involvement with NAHB Remodelers means so much to him that when asked what business leader in the country he’d love to have a 30-minute conversation with, he named a fellow NAHBR member.

“My definition of a business leader is someone who started (not given or inherited) their business [and] made it successful. Their business improves people’s lives, and if married, maintains a balance of family and business with their priority being family. I am blessed to know Dan Bawden of in Houston, Texas, for about six years,” Kiriu said.

“I have met his wonderful family, who all have the utmost respect for him as a father. He continues to move forward with a positive attitude — always giving of himself and deflecting accomplishments to others.”

. If you know a professional remodeler who takes remodeling to the next level, him or her for NAHB Remodeler of the Month.